Disclaimer: Thank you to Chuck Lorre, Mark Cendrowski, and Bill Prady.

A/N: My thoughts and prayers go out to all of those who were affected by the mass shooting in Orlando, Florida on early Sunday morning. I have as well been going through the lasting effects of a mass shooting that happened recently. The UCC shooting was one of the most terrifying days of my life, and I will never forget the events of that day. Of course, I wasn't there- I'm a high school student- but I still was affected day in and day out. I hope no one has lost a loved one due to the shooting, and PM me if you want to talk. Whew, heavy opening note. Chapter 4 everyone.

Chapter 4: Let's Talk the Talk

Circled around the Dungeons and Dragons game board are Howard, Leonard, Sheldon, and Raj. Raj is somewhat alone in his own "corner" of the circle, and huddles over his cellphone. He pays attention to the game now and then, rolling the die, pretending to be actively engaged. The reason for this is not because he dislikes the game (no, no, no). In fact, he loves the game, possibly the most out of anyone there. So what is the purpose of his loneliness? What is the purpose of this small group meeting? Easy: for the men to talk about their break- ups while playing a board game in the awkward moments. Mostly the awkward moments consisting of what Raj had done and why Raj had done what he had done; why the women had done what they had done.

The crying from time to time comes from Sheldon, but sometimes from Howard, or maybe once in a while, Leonard. When Raj isn't burying his nose in his phone, he is apologizing to Howard. But they just aren't enough. No matter what he said or how he said it, he cannot express or get through to Howard his regrets.

"Dude, at the time I guess I didn't truly realize how it would affect you. How it would affect our friendship." Raj looks at Howard with pleading eyes.

"Of course you didn't think about it. You're probably just making this all up: you knew how it would affect our relationship as friends, our work relationship, or our future relationships."

"Future relationships?" Raj raises an eyebrow.

"Yes. Haven't you thought about the odds of us becoming brothers one day by marrying two hot blue-eyed, blonde-haired twins? Becoming partners in a threesome relationship with a hot blue-eyed Blondie. That just so happens to be a twin?"

"No, but- what if I don't want a blue-eyed, blonde-haired twin? What if I want a brunette like Jamie?"

Leonard looks up from the game board and stares daggers at Raj. "Excuse me? You do realize Jamie and I are together, right?"

"Oh come on Leonard, you don't actually believe you guys will last, do you?" Raj asks.

"Hey. I can make a relationship last. And even if I don't fully know how at least I'm getting practice with Jamie."

"Yeah Raj, lay off him. Let him learn a lesson when he gets abandoned in San Diego by his precious lover," Howard says sorrowfully.

"What? Leonard, why are you going to be in San Diego?" Sheldon asks.

Leonard looks up at the ceiling, his elbows grounding into his knees. "Uhh, I might have forgotten to mention to the others that I might be leaving." He takes a quick glance at Howard then tries to search Raj and Sheldon's faces for any sign of... anything. Any emotion. Anything at all. Sadness, anger, nervousness, excitement? Could there be any excitement? For him at the least, right? Do they want him to go or stay? Stay or go? Why are they not showing some sort of emotions on their faces? Do they even care if he were to get on a plane and leave them behind? Just throw them in the trash like there was nothing worth remembering in that time period? Where is the damn emotion?! What are they thinking? Why was he asking himself all of these questions instead of them? Oh my god he needs to say something to fill the awkward silence. But what to say? How to begin? "Ummmmmhmmmmm... what do you guys think? How do you feel about the news?"

Sheldon blinks multiple times and Raj looks down at his cellphone again. Leonard doesn't know how to respond.

"Why- how can you even think about leaving us?" Sheldon asks.

"It's not you guys. I just need a change. A change of scenery, a change of an intimate relationship. I need to start fresh... which includes starting it new without you guys."

"Oh so corny! Oh so stupid!" Sheldon rolls his eyes.

"What?" How could Sheldon not understand? Oh yeah, he's Sheldon.

"It's not us, it's you, is it? Is that how this is? You're going to leave us because you can't face your ex?"

"Sheldon, I love Jamie. I am doing this to strengthen hers and my relationship. You wouldn't understand. What do you think about all of this Raj?"

"I don't like it."

"Why? Because you won't get to see Jamie?"

Raj shrugs his shoulders. "Yeah, pretty much. I guess I can get over her though."

"Oh. That's reassuring." Leonard rolls his eyes. Sheldon looks down at his wrist.

"It is now 8:30."

"What, do you have a date or something Sheldon?"

"No, I have a watch."

"Ha-ha Sheldon."

"What?"

"Never mind."

The game continues on in silence. Then Howard looks up at Leonard. "Have you told Penny?"

This earns him a sideways glance from Leonard. "No, I don't have to tell Penny about anything that goes on in my life anymore," he winces, "but maybe I will tonight."

"Why?" Sheldon asks.

"Because I want to, okay?!"

"Do you think she will want you to stay?" Howard folds his hands in his lap.

"It doesn't matter to me anymore."

"Does she still matter to you though?"

"No. Yes. I don't know. Maybe? I have Jamie now. Correction: I have had Jamie. Penny will just have to deal with it. I am just telling her out of courtesy."

"And? If she wants you to stay?" Howard is feeling disbelief. Leonard leaving? It feels as though their friendship had only recently begun.

"She shouldn't have cheated on me if she wanted me to stay. It's final: I am leaving on Thursday."

Sheldon gasps, "that's in two days!"

"I know Sheldon. I need to start packing."

Jamie looks at Leonard before boarding the plane.

"I'll see you on Thursday," she smiles and kisses him.

"Okay, I love you." Leonard stares into her eyes.

"I love you too." Jamie leaves his side and walks away. Another look at Leonard and gives a wave. He waves back and gives her a toothy grin. She tries her best at a half hearted upturn of her lips.

On the plane, Jamie finds the full head of hair she loves. "Is this seat taken?" She asks.

Raj gives her his biggest smile and shakes his head. Once seated, Jamie flags down the stewardess. "Excuse me, ma'am? Can you get us some drinks? We're going to need a lot so don't hold back."